Sex and Sexuality

Sexual feelings develop and change - so don’t be in a hurry to make any decisions! Don’t let anyone put pressure on you to do anything you’re not comfortable with - respect yourself and other people.

If you’re thinking of having sex, you need to be aware of the range of contraceptives you can use – not only to prevent pregnancy (in male/female relationships) but to prevent sexual transmitted infections (STIs). Please do however bear in mind that the age of consent (for sex) is 16 in England – this is for male/female relationships and also same sex (gay) relationships.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

There are more than 25 STIs including: genital warts, chlamydia, crabs, herpes, gonorrhoea, HIV (which may lead onto AIDS) etc. – some of which are treatable, others controllable but not curable. STIs can be passed on during male/female relationships and same sex relationships and can be spread through actual sex (oral, vaginal or anal) and also through the use of sex toys (such as vibrators). If you think you might have a STI, get help as fast as you can – ideally contact your local doctor or Brook Advisory Service 01942 760000– and try not to be embarrassed, your doctor/ Brook will have heard and seen it all before!

Contraception

There’s a wide range of contraceptives you can use, none of which is completely foolproof or safe though some are a lot more effective than others.

Some contraceptives are for men, others for females but responsibility for contraception shouldn’t just be left to one person. Ideally, you should get as much information as possible about each contraceptive before you even consider having sex. Examples of contraception include: male condom, female condom, the pill (different versions are available), contraceptive injection, the diaphragm, the coil, male/female sterilisation, natural family planning (also know as the rhythm method), the morning after pill (which is generally available for emergencies only). Some forms of contraceptive protect against pregnancy but offer no protection against STIs. For more advice about the different forms of contraceptive and the pros and cons of each, please contact your local doctor, family planning clinic or Brook Advisory Service.